Pu Mat National Park

Pù Mát National Park (often romanized as Pu Mat) is one of Vietnam's largest and most biodiverse protected areas, covering 911 km² in western Nghệ An province. Established in 2001, the park protects a vast tract of lowland evergreen forest in the Annamite mountain range along the Laos border. Its name means "high slope" in the Thai language. Pù Mát is critically important for mammal conservation: it harbours five mammals endemic to Indochina, including the critically endangered saola (the "Asian unicorn"), northern white-cheeked gibbon, red-shanked douc, Truong Son muntjac, and Annamite striped rabbit. A population of 455 northern white-cheeked crested gibbons — two-thirds of the known Vietnamese population — lives here, making it the world's only confirmed viable population of this species.

The park spans three districts: Tương Dương, Con Cuông, and Anh Sơn. Its buffer zone includes numerous Thai and Hmong ethnic minority villages. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is dry. The rainy season (May–October) brings heavy downpours, leeches on the trails, and swollen rivers.

By Plane

Vinh International Airport (VII IATA) is 120 km east. Arrange a taxi or private car (1,000,000–1,500,000 dong, 2.5 hours).

By Train

Vinh Railway Station is the nearest major rail stop. From Vinh, take a bus or hire a car to Con Cuông town, the park's main gateway.

By Car / Road

The park entrance is 120 km west of Vinh via National Highway 48 to Con Cuông, then a short distance west to the park headquarters. A 4WD vehicle is recommended during the rainy season.

The park must be explored on foot with a licensed guide. The headquarters in Con Cuông arranges guides and permits. Trails range from short day hikes (2–5 km) to multi-day expeditions deeper into the forest.

• Primary lowland evergreen forest — the park's core is one of the best-preserved lowland forests in Vietnam, with towering trees, dense undergrowth, and a rich ecosystem of 2,461 recorded plant species.

• Waterfalls and natural pools — several cascades within the park offer swimming in crystal-clear pools.

• Limestone karst formations — dramatic karst outcrops rise above the forest canopy in the park's southern sections.

• Wildlife — while shy, the park is home to Indochinese tiger, Indian elephant, Ussuri dhole, and numerous primate and bird species.

• Guided trekking — the primary activity. Day treks (200,000–400,000 dong per person) and multi-day expeditions are available. All treks must be accompanied by a park ranger.

• Birdwatching — Pù Mát is exceptional for birding, with over 300 recorded species including many endemic to the Annamites.

• Night walks — guided night hikes to spot nocturnal wildlife including slow lorises, civets, and owls.

• Village homestays — stay in Thai minority villages in the park's buffer zone for a combined nature-culture experience.

The park's on-site guesthouse serves simple Vietnamese meals. For better variety, eat at the restaurants in Con Cuông town, 20 minutes east. Village homestays provide family-style meals featuring local ingredients.

Bring plenty of bottled water for treks. Vietnamese coffee is available at the park headquarters and in Con Cuông.

• Park accommodation: The national park maintains a basic guesthouse near the headquarters. Rooms from 200,000–400,000 dong, advance booking recommended through the park office.
• Con Cuông: A wider range of guesthouses and hotels is available 20 km east in Con Cuông town.
• Village homestays: Thai minority villages in the buffer zone offer homestay experiences, 200,000–500,000 dong per person including meals.

The park's entrance area has a small visitor centre with basic maps and information. For local handicrafts, visit the ethnic minority markets in Con Cuông town.

• Con Cuông — 20 km east, the main gateway town with markets, restaurants, and transport connections.
• Tương Dương — 60 km west, a scenic mountainous district with traditional Thai minority villages.
• Vinh — 120 km east, the provincial capital with museums, markets, and onward transport.
• Cửa Lò Beach — 140 km east, Nghệ An's premier coastal resort for post-trek relaxation.